Point guard

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Point guard (PG), also called the one or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. Point guards are often the smallest players on the court with a notable exception being Magic Johnson. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position. Essentially, the point guard is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that it gets to the right players at the right time. Above all, the point guard must totally understand and accept his coach's game plan. The position can be compared to a quarterback in football. This means knowing when and how to instigate a fast break and when and how to initiate the more deliberate sets.

Point guard characteristics

A point guard, like all player positions in basketball, has specific characteristics that are essential for them to help guide their team to a victory. The Basketball Handbook by Lee Rose describes a point guard as a coach on the floor, who can handle and distribute the ball to teammates. It also states that the more speed a point guard has, the more likely he will be able to create separation and space off the dribble, which allows the point guard room to work. Point guards should also be vocal floor leaders, and should discuss rule interpretations with officials. A point guard must always know the time on both the shot clock and the game clock, the score, the number of timeouts for both teams, and whom to foul late in the game.

A true point guard's job is to create scoring opportunities for his team. The role includes passing and running the offense: setting up plays on the court, getting the ball to the teammate that he feels is in the best position to score, and dictating the tempo of the game. After an opponent scores, it is typically the point guard who brings the ball down court to begin an offensive play. For this reason, passing skills, ball handling, and court vision are pivotal. Point guards are often evaluated more on their assist totals than on their scoring. Still, a first-rate point guard should also have a reasonably effective jump shot.

If a point guard has more size (height, muscle) compared to the prototypical point guard, it is considered a plus, but size is only secondary to knowledge of the game and skill. Point guards are not always the shortest players on the floor. Some taller players have enjoyed success at the position, most notably Magic Johnson who is considered by many to be one of the best point guards of all time, standing at 6-9. Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway is another player, who at 6-7, was a top point guard early in his career. Other point guards who are considered to be the best ever to play the position include Nate Archibald, Bob Cousy, Walt Frazier, Dennis Johnson, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Gary Payton, Oscar Robertson, John Stockton, Isiah Thomas and Lenny Wilkens.

Styles of play

Many times, the point guard is referred to by announcers as a "coach on the floor" or a "floor general". In the past, this was particularly true, as several point guards such as Lenny Wilkens served their team as a player-coach. This is not as common anymore, as most coaches choose to call out the plays they wish to have run before each possession. Some point guards are still given a great deal of leeway in the offense, such as Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. Suns head coach Mike D'Antoni allowed him to freelance often when leading the Suns' offense, even letting Nash call his own plays at times. But even point guards who are not given this much freedom are still extensions of their coach on the floor, and must display good leadership skills.

Notes

References

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Last updated on Wednesday March 12, 2008 at 08:38:42 PDT (GMT -0700)
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